2026 New Book Releases: The Most Anticipated Books to Add to Your TBR
If you are anything like me, there is nothing more exciting than looking ahead to a fresh year of new book releases. The new book releases in 2026 already look incredible and there are so many authors returning with highly anticipated sequels, long awaited continuations, and completely new stories that I cannot wait to get my hands on.
In this post, I am rounding up the most exciting book releases happening in 2026. These are the books that readers are already buzzing about, the ones that will fill your shelves, your reading journals, and your TBR lists. Whether you love romance, thrillers, emotional contemporary stories, queer joy, or small town charm, this list has something for you.
Use this list to update your TBR, start building your 2026 reading plan, or find new books to read throughout the year. I am so excited to get into the upcoming book releases that deserve a spot on your radar.
January 2026 Book Releases
My Husband’s Wife by Alice Feeney
Release Date: January 20, 2026
Alice Feeney always knows how to deliver a dark, addictive domestic thriller and My Husband’s Wife is no exception. The story follows a woman who begins to suspect that her husband is hiding something. When a shocking event pulls their marriage into the spotlight, long buried truths begin to surface. This one explores loyalty, betrayal, and how well we really know the people we love. Perfect for readers who crave suspense and emotional intensity.
I am so excited for this one specifically. Alice Feeny is one of my favorite thriller authors and I cannot wait to read this new release in 2026. If this one sounds interesting to you and you want to check out more of her books, I highly recommend Beautiful Ugly and Rock Paper Scissors.
Dear Debbie by Freida McFadden
Release Date: January 27, 2026
Freida McFadden is back with another gripping, twist filled psychological thriller. Dear Debbie follows a woman who starts receiving strange letters that seem to know too much about her life. At first they feel like an odd prank, but as the letters become darker and more personal, she starts to uncover secrets that were never meant to surface. This story blends Freida’s signature fast pacing with a mysterious unraveling that will keep you up late turning pages.
February 2026 Book Releases
It’s Not Her by Mary Kubica
Release Date: February 3, 2026
Mary Kubica returns with a chilling thriller centered around a woman who is accused of being someone she claims she is not. As the investigation unfolds, the line between truth and deception becomes more unclear. The story plays with identity, memory, and the fear of being mistaken for someone dangerous. If you love psychological twists and unreliable characters, this one will be high on your list.
How to Kill a Guy in Ten Dates by Shailee Thompson (Debut Novel)
Release Date: February 3, 2026
This debut blends humor, mystery, and modern dating chaos in the most entertaining way. The story follows a woman whose dates start turning up dead. At first it seems like a terrible coincidence, but soon she finds herself caught between proving her innocence and discovering who is setting her up. With sharp wit and a fast moving plot, this debut is a fun and refreshing take on the mystery romcom mashup.
Whenever I see a debut novel being released, I am running to Barnes and Noble to grab it. There is so much potential with exploring new authors.
And Now, Back to You (Heartstrings #2) by B. K. Borison
Release Date: February 24, 2026
B. K. Borison continues her Heartstrings series with a heartfelt small town romance that brings all the cozy, comforting vibes you expect from her writing. And Now, Back to You follows two characters who reconnect after years apart and discover that their story might not be over after all. Expect soft moments, gentle tension, emotional depth, and the charm that made readers fall in love with the first book.
Before this one is released in late February, make sure to check out First Time Caller. You are in the same small town following a radio host and a mom whose daughter calls into the show to get dating advice for her mom. It is such a sweet and charming story, and I am so excited to revisit this world in February.
March 2026 Book Releases
The Night We Met (Say You’ll Remember Me #2) by Abby Jimenez
Release Date: March 31, 2026
Abby Jimenez returns with the second book in her emotional and heart stirring Say You’ll Remember Me series. The Night We Met explores love, timing, healing, and second chances. Abby is well known for blending humor and warmth with heavier emotional moments, and this sequel promises to deliver a story that feels deeply relatable. Expect a romance that makes you laugh, cry, and root for the characters with your whole heart.
When I tell you Say You’ll Remember Me had me sobbing, I wish I was being dramatic. I remember finishing this story within one day. I literally could not put it down. So to say that I am excited for the second book in this series may be an understatement.
April 2026 Book Releases
Mad Mabel by Sally Hempworth
Release Date: April 21, 2026
Sally Hempworth returns with a dark, atmospheric thriller following a woman who has spent years haunted by an old accusation. When she is pulled back into the town that branded her with a terrible nickname, the truth slowly begins to emerge. The story explores reputation, small town secrets, complicated relationships, and the consequences of being misunderstood. This is a character driven psychological thriller perfect for fans of deep, unsettling storytelling.
King of Gluttony (Kings of Sin #6) by Ana Huang
Release Date: April 28, 2026
Fans of the Kings of Sin series will be counting down for this release. King of Gluttony promises another addictive, tension filled romantic drama filled with Ana Huang’s signature intense chemistry and emotional depth. This story dives into desire, indulgence, and vulnerability as two characters fight temptation and the consequences of giving in. Perfect for readers who love their romances bold, passionate, and a little bit messy in the best way.
Honestly, I have not even started this series yet, so this one is a bit further down on my TBR list. I did enjoy the Twisted Series by this author, so I do plan on getting into this series in 2026.
May 2026 Book Releases
The Daisy Chain Flower Shop (Dream Harbor #6) by Laurie Gilmore
Release Date: May 5, 2026
Dream Harbor returns with another wholesome, charming small town romance. This time, The Daisy Chain Flower Shop follows a florist who has lost her spark and the person who walks into her life at the perfect moment. This story is full of warm community moments, sweet connections, and the cozy romance vibes Laurie Gilmore is known for. If you want a feel good love story with heart, add this one to your list.
The Dream Harbor series seriously gives Gilmore Girls vibes and I am all here for it. I really wish I could live in this small town.
Fever Dream (Emerald Lake #1) by Elsie Silver
Release Date: May 19, 2026
Hehehe a new Elsie Silver book!!! She is launching a brand new series with Fever Dream, the first book in Emerald Lake. This story brings a fresh setting, new characters, and all the emotional push and pull Elsie is known for. Expect slow burn tension, deep character growth, and a romance that feels both tender and intense. It is the perfect start to a new series that readers will want to follow.
Our Perfect Story by Carley Fortune
Release Date: May 5, 2026
Carley Fortune returns with an atmospheric, emotional contemporary romance about timing, fate, and the stories we carry with us. Our Perfect Story follows two people whose paths keep crossing at the wrong moments until life finally brings them back together. Expect nostalgia, longing, bittersweet moments, and Carley’s signature storytelling that feels cinematic and heartfelt.
Nothing is better than sitting on the beach reading a new Carley Fortune book. This has actually been my summer tradition for the last few years now. And a special mention to how beautiful the book covers always are.
July 2026 Book Releases
Heartstopper: Volume Six by Alice Oseman
Release Date: July 2, 2026
The beloved Heartstopper series continues with Volume Six. Readers will get to follow Nick and Charlie as they take the next steps in growing up, navigating relationships, and finding their place in the world. Alice Oseman always delivers stories full of sincerity, tenderness, and joyful queer representation. This volume is expected to be emotional and uplifting, wrapping readers in comfort from page one.
The Condensed 2026 New Book Releases
- My Husband’s Wife by Alice Feeney
- Dear Debbie by Freida McFadden
- It’s Not Her by Mary Kubica
- How to Kill a Guy in Ten Dates by Shailee Thompson
- And Now, Back to You (Heartstrings #2) by B. K. Borison
- The Night We Met (Say You’ll Remember Me #2) by Abby Jimenez
- Mad Mabel by Sally Hempworth
- King of Gluttony (Kings of Sin #6) by Ana Huang
- The Daisy Chain Flower Shop (Dream Harbor #6) by Laurie Gilmore
- Fever Dream (Emerald Lake #1) by Elsie Silver
- Our Perfect Story by Carley Fortune
- Heartstopper: Volume Six by Alice Oseman
These are the 12 books that are on my radar as far as new releases go for 2026. I feel like the beginning of the year is always full of new releases. Out of this list, I have to say that The Night We Met is at the top of my priority list. I am really looking forward to a new year filled with amazing reads.
Why 2026 Is Going To Be an Incredible Reading Year
Looking at this list, 2026 is shaping up to be such an exciting year for readers. We are getting new thrillers, emotional romances, heart stopping sequels, cozy small town stories, and the return of beloved characters. And this is all in the first few months. These new book releases are perfect for refreshing your reading goals, building a new TBR list, or planning what books to preorder throughout the year.
If you are looking at this for inspiration on building your TBR list, make sure to visit my post on How to Make a TBR List for more tips and tricks!
I hope this guide helped you discover some new books to read in 2026. Nothing feels better than filling your TBR with upcoming book releases and having something to look forward to each month. If you want to keep building your reading routine or explore more book related hobbies, stick around on the blog for reading tips, cozy book content, and more book lists. (and subscribe to the newsletter!)
Let me know which 2026 book releases you are the most excited for. I love hearing what everyone is adding to their TBR. You can also follow along with my reading on Goodreads!
xoxo,
Kayla Mae 🫶🏻
